Da Vinci Science

We hope all students had a great CLD Day#2. Students on campus attended various workshops on self-defense, community service, and financial literacy. Students off-campus engaged in learning activities such as working on personal projects, college visits, and studying for upcoming exams. We hope all students had a productive learning day. Please note that whether students were on or off campus today, all students must fill out this Community Learning Day Attendance Form to receive attendance credit. Students who do not fill out the attendance form will be marked absent. 

DVS students also had a blast on Thursday with our second annual DaVincella. Seeing the whole school together, having fun, and supporting one another was joyous. We had various clubs represented, students shared their talents in folklorio, singing, rock and metal band performances. We have some very talented students! 

Happy Veterans Day! We honor and are grateful to all who have served in the U.S. military. There is no school Monday, November 11th. We wish everyone a great three-day weekend. 

Announcements & Reminders for Week 13:

• Progress Reports: Grades were updated this week. Progress reports were printed and mailed home, so please check your mailboxes in the next week or so. There are 5 weeks left of instruction for this semester. All coursework and grading information will continue to be through Canvas at https://davincischools.instructure.com.

• Da Vinci Schools Fall Surveys: We value your feedback! Parents/guardians and students should have received an email from Kelvin Education with a survey link to provide feedback. Thank you for taking the time to provide this valuable feedback.

• DVS Parent Association (DVSpa) would love to see you at our next meeting this coming Wed, 11/13 at 5:30pm on Zoom.  We’ll be discussing fundraiser ideas for Advisories as well as a brand new Family Community Day we’re planning for March. We are ALSO handing out Gratitude Baskets to staff on 11/22.  Please take a moment to write a note of thanks, bring in staff favorite things, or donate funds for these much loved baskets at dvsappreciation@gmail.com.  We also need volunteers to help organize and fill them the week of 11/18 – 11/22. Sign up HERE.
• SAT/PSAT Score Reports were released this week on November 7th. Students should have received instructions on accessing their scores from College Board if they listed an email for score reporting. If not, scores can be accessed through your College Board account at this link. PDF of score reports will also be mailed home with progress reports. Here are some resources to help understand scores: 
• • PSAT 8/9 (9th Grade) Understanding Scores for Students and Families
  • PSAT/NMSQT (10th & 11th Grade) Understanding Scores for Students and Families
  • SAT (12th Grade) Understanding Scores
  • More SAT Score Resources
  • Understanding Scores and Benchmarks
  • Big Futures college and career planning app
•  Communication Workshop: Join us for a Communication Workshop complete with FREE Raising Canes and activities! DVS, in partnership with Whole Human Wellness Therapy, is excited to present a family communication workshop designed to help participants connect more deeply with themselves and their family members. This workshop is open to all Da Vinci high school students, families, and staff and will take place on the Da Vinci Science floor (2nd floor, 201 N. Douglas Street) on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Free food and fun activities will be provided. If possible, please RSVP at this link.

• All WDV HS Open Mic: Join us for WDV’s fall Open Mic open to students from ALL WDV high schools Tue, 11/19 at 4pm in the ATRIUM at the 201 N. Douglas St. campus! WDV open mics aim to be a safe space for new and beginning performers to perform in front of a welcoming audience—but all experience levels are welcome! Refreshments will be provided, plus: all performers will be entered into a raffle to win a FREE pair of headphones! Here is the link to sign up, and we hope to see you there!

• Cardiac Screening Health Promotion Event: Da Vinci Schools in partnership with Saving Hearts Foundation and UCLA presents a FREE cardiac screening event Saturday, November 16, 2024. Come get an EKG, see a cardiologist on the spot if any abnormalities are detected for immediate follow up. Pre-register now at this link! Walk-ins welcome, those with appointments seen first! 

• The Da Vinci Schools Song Contest: Submissions close 12/1, winners announced on 12/15. Please click here for submissions and full contest rules + regulations.
• Honors Enrollment: Students who submitted their Honors Contracts on time and committed to pursuing honors have been enrolled in the corresponding honors course on PowerSchool. Please note that honors courses on PowerSchool will not have a grade until the end of the semester. Until then, please refer to the original course for students’ current grades.

• Week 13 College Rep Visit: On Tuesday, November 12th, we welcome Woodbury University to DVS. This is the last college rep visit for the semester. This meeting will be in Mr. Perez’s Room during lunchtime. Students from all grade levels (9-12) are welcome!

 

Week 13 Schedule (11/11-11/15):

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Monday, 11/11 Veterans Day – No School
• Tuesday, 11/12 AMC Math Competition 
• Wednesday, 11/13 DVS Parent Association Meeting @ 5:40pm on Zoom
• Monday – Friday, 11/18 – 11/22 9th Grade CHYA Presentations in Physics
• Wednesday, 11/20 DVS Parent Advisory Committee Meeting @ 4:15 on Zoom
• Monday – Friday, 11/25 – 11/29 Thanksgiving Break
• Monday, 12/02 10th Grade College Field Trip
• Wednesday, 12/04 DVS Families Coffee Time @ 4:15 in-person or on Zoom

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week:

Students in SWE and Robotics had an opportunity to visit AltaSea- Students got to see 3D concrete printers being used for offshore anchoring systems, kelp research, and eco-waste surfboards

 

Students had a blast at DaVincella!

HBS students modeling the flow of ions in a neuron during an action potential

CLD Day- Self-Defense Class

What a fun week full of Spirit! Staff and students enjoyed being creative with their outfits and costumes to show during this week’s Spirit Week. We hope students enjoyed the day after Halloween and had a restful PD day. DVS Staff had a productive professional development day learning about how our strengths can be utilized to leverage strengths in all of our students. 

Tonight is our Da Vinci Masquerade Ball Dance, we are looking forward to a fun and safe time! Tickets have been pre-purchased, however, permission slips and tickets are still available at the door. The dance begins at 6:00 tonight.

Next week is another 4-day schedule due to CLD Day #2. 

Announcements & Reminders for Week 12:

• Community Learning Day #2: Friday, November 8th is our 2nd CLD! Here is the list of workshops offered on CLD #2. Students submitted their workshop request through this CLD #2 Survey last week. ALL students (whether you are on campus or at home) must fill out this Community Learning Day Attendance Form to receive attendance credit. 

• DVS Family Coffee Time: This month’s DVS Families Coffee Time will be held on Wednesday, November 6th, from 4:15-5:15. Join us in-person at DVS or use this Zoom link.

• Week 12 College Rep Visits: All meetings will be in Mr. Perez’s Room during lunchtime. Students from all grade levels (9-12) are welcome!

• • • Monday, November 4th: Santa Monica College
    • Tuesday, November 5th: Portland State University

• Da Vinci Schools Fall Surveys: We value your voice and input. Parents/guardians and students, you should receive an email from Kelvin Education during the first week of November with a survey link to provide feedback. Please look in your inbox for “Kelvin Education” to fill out the survey. Students will see a dog icon pop up on their DV Google accounts in the Chrome browser when the surveys are ready to be taken. Thank you for taking the time to provide this valuable feedback.

• DVS Parent Association Gratitude Baskets: As we approach the heartwarming season of Thanksgiving, the DVS Parent Association is excited to continue the tradition of organizing Thanksgiving Gratitude Baskets which will be delivered to our wonderful staff. Each basket will be thoughtfully filled with items our staff love, alongside heartfelt words of appreciation from our DVS community. Here’s how you can get involved: 

• • • Donate items inspired by our staff’s favorite things. Drop these off at the DVS front office.
    • Monetary contributions – Cash can be dropped off to the front office or gift cards can be emailed to dvsappreciation@gmail.com between now and November 19th. 
    • Craft handwritten notes of thanks and encouragement for our staff. You can drop these notes off at the front office.
    • Keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to sign up to assist in assembling the baskets.

• Cardiac Screening Health Promotion Event: Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. While often linked to chronic medical conditions, SCA alarmingly stands as the leading cause of death among athletes and on school campuses. 1 in 300 young individuals harbors an undetected heart condition, significantly heightening their risk of SCA. Da Vinci Schools in partnership with Saving Hearts Foundation and UCLA presents a FREE cardiac screening event Saturday, November 16, 2024. Come get an EKG, see a cardiologist on the spot if any abnormalities are detected for immediate follow up. Pre-register now at this link! Walk-ins welcome, those with appointments seen first! 

•  The Da Vinci Schools Song Contest: Calling all songwriters, lyricists, musicians, and producers for the first-ever “Da Vinci Schools Song Contest!” We are looking for a song that embodies the spirit of the Da Vinci community, using original lyrics and music. Submissions close 12/1, winners announced on 12/15. Please click here for submissions and full contest rules + regulations.

• Da Vinci is proud to serve as a Voting Center for the 2024 Election. The Hall of Champions corridor in the WDV Gym at 201. N. Douglas St. will be open for voting for the very first time starting Saturday, Nov. 2 through Tuesday, Nov. 5.

 

Week 12 Schedule (11/4-11/8):

 

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Wednesday, 11/6 DVS Families Coffee Time @ 4:30pm on Zoom
• Thursday, 11/7 DaVinchella during Advisory and after school 2:34-5:00pm
• Friday, 11/8 Community Learning Day #2
• Monday, 11/11 Veterans Day – No School
• Tuesday, 11/12 AMC Math Competition 
• Wednesday, 11/13 DVS Parent Association Meeting @ 5:40pm on Zoom (link TBA)
• Monday – Friday, 11/25 – 11/29 Thanksgiving Break

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week:

Last week, interested seniors visited Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo to learn more about what their potential major might look like in college

Fun Spirit Week!

 

We had another smooth week at DVS! Seniors started the week with college visits to UCI and Cal State Fullerton. They had a great time experiencing college life and visiting with DVS alumni.

This week was Red Ribbon Week with the theme, “Life is a Movie. Film Drug Free.” Students were given information and training to be drug-free and made drug-free pledges. Thank you, Mercy Health Group, for teaching all students about the importance of staying healthy and having a drug-free future.

Last week, Da Vinci’s Robotics Team participated in the Tidal Wave Pre-Season competition. Rookie and veteran team members did great and made it to the Semi-Finals! Team 4201 is looking forward to a fun and challenging year ahead. Go Vitruvian Bots! 

We have a four-day week next week. No school this Friday, 11/1, due to Professional Development Day.

Announcements & Reminders for Week 11:

• Spirit Week: Next week is DVS’s Fall 2024 Spirit Week! Students and staff are encouraged to show school spirit and join in the festivities following the theme of the day. Please note that the school dress code still applies during this week. 
  • Monday, 10/28: Meme Day
  • Tuesday, 10/29: Dress to Impress Day
  • Wednesday, 10/30: Tacky Tourist
  • Thursday, 10/31: Halloween

• Wellness Screener: In an effort to be more proactive in supporting students’ mental health, a wellness screener will be given on October 22nd and October 29th to all students during advisory at Da Vinci Science HS to identify students who may need support. Results from the screener will be used by the counselors to offer students interventions such as coping skills groups, counselor check ins, and referrals for therapy. Scores will not be shared with students or parents/guardians. Parent/guardian consent is required if a student is referred to receive counseling services delivered by Antioch or Pepperdine therapists. If you would like your student to OPT-OUT and NOT PARTICIPATE in the screener, please fill out this Opt-Out Form by Friday, October 18th.
• Week 11 College Rep Visits: All College Rep. Visits occur on campus during lunchtime in the Galileo room. We encourage interested students to attend and learn more about the many excellent college options out there. 
  • Tuesday, 10/29 UC San Diego 
  • Wednesday, 10/30 Biola University 

• The Da Vinci Schools Song Contest: Calling all songwriters, lyricists, musicians, and producers for the first-ever “Da Vinci Schools Song Contest!” We are looking for a song that embodies the spirit of the Da Vinci community, using original lyrics and music. All genres are accepted, final submission can be a music demo quality and will be judged by a panel of three industry professionals. Winners will receive a professionally produced song and the opportunity for their song to be played at numerous school functions and events. Submissions close 12/1, winners announced on 12/15. Please click here for submissions and full contest rules + regulations.

• Band Bash: Halloween Smash: Band Bash is BACK! Join all DV schools for the extra spooky, “Band Bash: Halloween Smash,” where five student bands will take the stage to play original music and get everyone in the Halloween spirit—costumes are encouraged! Food and snacks will also be provided by student leadership groups and available for purchase outside of the Black Box. “Band Bash: Halloween Smash” takes place on Halloween (10/31) from 4-6pm in the Black Box.

• CLD Day: We hope everyone had a productive CLD day last month. The next CLD day is fast approaching! All students are required to sign up and indicate their plans for the next CLD Day, Friday, November 8th. The deadline to sign up is this Sunday, Oct. 27th. If you have not done so already, please do so now (even if your CLD plan is to do a stay at home/off campus learning day. 
  • 11/8 CLD Sign Up Link
  • List of On-Campus 11/8 CLD Workshops. 

Week 11 Schedule (10/28-11.1):

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Monday – Thursday, 10/28 – 10/31 DVS Spirit Week
• Friday, 11/1 PD Day – No School for students
• Wednesday, 11/6 DVS Families Coffee Time @ 4:30pm on Zoom
• Thursday, 11/7 DaVincella during Adisory 2:34-3:55pm
• Friday, 11/8 Community Learning Day #2
• Monday, 11/11 Veterans Day – No School
• Tuesday, 11/12 AMC Math Competition 
• Wednesday, 11/13 DVS Parent Association Meeting @ 5:40pm on Zoom (link TBA)
• Monday – Friday, 11/25 – 11/29 Thanksgiving Break

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week: 

College Visit to Cal State Fullerton

 

College Visit to UCI- Zot Zot!

Teletaubes at Tidal Tumble with Team 4201

Calculus students using motion detectors to graph their position and observe how motion affects the graph

Sophomores participating in Revolutionary Rountable project where they took on the role of a historical figure and analyzed modern examples of democracy

 

We hope all families have a wonderful, safe, and restful three-day weekend! It was great to see 12th-grade families at this week’s college planning workshop and at DVS Families Coffee time. We enjoy seeing our students and families and appreciate your support. 

We also want to take the opportunity to acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month from September 15 to October 15, we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including advocacy work, beautiful art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

We look forward to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at our first Community Dialogue next week. The student leadership team has done an excellent job preparing for this celebratory event for our school; thank you, Leadership Team!

Announcements & Reminders for Week 8:

• Freshmen Overnighter is happening this week!  Hopefully, things continue to be positive for fire containment and the San Bernardino area. Camp Pondo confirmed that they are ready and expecting us next week. We are still planning for Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 8-9th.  Overnighter Leaders will leave Monday10/7, and Freshmen Campers will leave Tuesday, 10/8. All students will return on Wednesday, 10/9. Information and permission slips have been given in class and posted in Canvas. Here is the link to Overnighter Permission Slip with revised dates. Please note that all school policies and expectations apply during the Overnighter. We look forward to spending this precious, formidable, and fun time with the Freshmen!
• Student-Led Conferences SLC conference times were pushed out by Grade Level teachers. Please check your email if you have not received your SLC time. 
  • SLC Information for Families 

• SAT/PSAT School Day: The DVS SAT/PSAT School Day is on Monday, October 14th! All PSAT and SAT tests will be digitally administered. Practice resources were posted on Canvas.

• • 9th Grade: PSAT 8/9
  • 10th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 12th Grade: SAT (opt-in registration deadline has passed)
  • Questions should be directed to Saya, DVS Assistant Principal (swai@davincischools.org). Remember that students can also register to take the SAT outside of the SAT School Day offered at DVS through the College Board at this website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration.

• Community Learning Days: Our first CLD Day is coming up Oct. 11th. This week, all students were given a new student survey to fill out. The survey asks students whether they plan to have their learning experience on campus or off campus. If students select the off-campus option, a CLD Off-Campus Permission Slip must be signed by a parent/guardian and turned in to the Advisory teacher (students were provided a copy of this permission slip during Advisory this week). All students will need to fill out an attendance form to receive attendance credit for that day.
• College Rep Visits: El Camino College will be on campus Tuesday, October 8th during lunch time. We encourage students to come learn about community college, transferring to a 4-year university from a community college and the South Bay Promise Program, which offers FREE tuition at El Camino College for two years. This meeting will be held in Mr. Perez’s room during lunchtime and all grade levels are welcome.
• Thank you to all students and families who attended their grade-level College Planning Information Session. Presentations are posted on the DVS Blog as well as Canvas.  Please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, with any follow-up questions.

Week 8 Schedule (10/7-10/13):

 Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Tuesday-Wednesday, 10/08-10/09: 9th Grade Overnighter @ Camp Pondo
• Friday, 10/11 Community Learning Day
• Monday, 10/14 SAT/PSAT School Day
• Monday-Thursday, 10/14-10/17 Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
• Thursday, 10/17 Great California Shakeout @ 10:17am
• Friday, 10/18 Honors Commitment Deadline
• Friday, 11/1 PD Day, No School for students
• Friday, 11/8 CLD Day #2
• Monday, 11/11 Veteran’s Day- No School
• Tuesday, 11/12 AMC Math Test
• Thanksgiving Break 11/25-11/29

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

 Some Highlights from the Week:

Advanced Physics field trip to Del Aire Park to collect data for Westy’s World Playground Project

Biomed student trying to save Mr. Perez by stopping the bleed!

Juniors working on Reconstruction DBQ. Working in groups to respond t to the statement: “To what extent was Reconstruction successful at improving the lives of African Americans?”

Amazing Hispanic Heritage Month display made by students from the Leadership Team and Latin American Crafts Seminar

 

As usual, DVS had an eventful and busy week! 11th graders had an informative time at NACAC’s College Fair at the LA Convention Center. Over 1800 colleges and universities were represented, and our students had a great time asking questions and checking out different college booths. Counselors also continued to offer college planning workshops for 10th and 11th-grade students. This is the season for seniors going through the application process and all grade levels to explore and plan for post-secondary options. 

Students in the Biomedical Pathway also had the opportunity to visit Loma Linda University. Students took a field trip, toured the high-tech bio simulation lab, and engaged in lectures and an interactive cadaver lab tour. Through Monday’s Blood Drive, many lives were saved through our collaboration with UCLA Health.

Clubs have officially started, and it’s been great to see students pursuing their interests and having fun together during lunch and after school. 

Due to School Holiday, there will be no school this Friday, Oct. 4th.

Announcements & Reminders for Week 7:

• Community Learning Days– Our first CLD Day is coming up Oct. 11th. This week, all students were given a new student survey to fill out. The survey asks students whether they plan to plan to have their learning experience on campus or off campus. If students select the off-campus option, a CLD Off-Campus Permission Slip must be signed by parent/guardian and turned in to the Advisory teacher (students were provided a copy of this permission slip during Advisory this week). All students will need to fill out an attendance form to receive attendance credit for that day.  
  • Student Community Learning Day Survey
  • CLD Off-Campus Permission Slip
• College Planning Information Sessions continue into Week 7! We welcome 12th grade families on Wednesday, October 2nd. Come learn more about solidifying your college list, the college application process, financial aid applications and more! This meeting  is from 5:30pm-6:30pm and held on the DVS floor.  Click here to reserve your spot!
• College Rep Visits: All college rep visits happen during lunch time in Mr. Perez’s Room. Students of all grade levels (9-12) are welcome. College Rep Visits for Week 7:

• Monday, 9/30: CSU Dominguez Hills
• Tuesday, 10/1: Cal Tech
• Wednesday, 10/2: Syracuse University
• Thursday, 10/3: UC Merced

• AMC Math Competition: DVS will be administering the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10 and 12 on Tuesday, November 12th 3pm-5pm (during seminar and after school) to those who sign up. The AMC 10/12 are both 25-question, 75-minute, multiple-choice examinations in high school. Find out more at this link: https://maa.org/student-programs/amc/ Interested students should sign up via this form by 9:00am on Monday, September 30th (DV Google account required). For questions, contact Saya at swai@davincischools.org. 
• DVS Family Coffee Time: Every first Wednesday of the month, we will have an open “Coffee Time” where parents, guardians, and students can drop in to ask administration and staff questions and receive updates on school happenings. This week’s DVS Families Coffee Time will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd, from 4:15-5:15 using this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/3108950461   

Week 7 Schedule (9/30-10/4):

 

 Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Wednesday, 10/02: DVS Families Coffee Time @ 4:15pm
• Wednesday, 10/02: 12th Grade College Planning Info Session
• Friday, 10/04: No School – School Holiday 
• Tuesday-Wednesday, 10/08-10/09: 9th Grade Overnighter @ Camp Pondo
• Friday, 10/11 Community Learning Day
• Monday, 10/14 SAT/PSAT School Day
• Monday-Thursday, 10/14-10/17 Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
• Thursday, 10/17 Great California Shakeout @ 10:17am
• Friday, 10/18 Honors Commitment Deadline
• Friday, 11/1 PD Day, No School for students

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

 Some Highlights from the Week:

We had a wonderful week! The students did a great job and had a great time at the Club Fair. We encourage students to join clubs and to be engaged with the school community while pursuing their interests. Check out our Club Website for more information.   

Announcements & Reminders for Week 6:

• DVS Parent Advisory Committee: The first PAC meeting of this year is next Wednesday, September 25th 4:15-5:15 at this Zoom link. Parent Advisory Committee is an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to work collaboratively to review the school program, review data, identify needs, and make recommendations for the Local Control and Accountability Plan. If you are interested in joining our DVS Parent Advisory Committee, please complete the Parent Advisory Committee Interest Form. PAC Meeting Dates are planned for Wednesdays on Zoom from 4:15-5:15pm on these dates: 9/25, 11/20, 2/12, 3/26, 5/14.
• DVS Parent Association: The DVS Parent Association was formed last year to create and build a strong parent community that supports the needs of the school as directed by the school administration. We are excited about the new projects we plan to bring to our community this school year. Our goal is to have at least one parent from each advisory group participating in the DVSPA meetings/projects. Could that be you?  Everyone is encouraged to get involved and there is nothing formal you need to do to “join.”  We will meet once a month, alternating between in person and on Zoom.  Questions or to express interest in helping lead the DVSPA can be directed to parent Lori Bowker at lj.bowk@gmail.com.  Come connect with other DVS parents at our first meeting of the year to learn more about this year’s projects and ways you can be more involved in the DVS community on Wednesday, 10/16, 4:30pm in person (after SLCs).
• South Bay Families Connected: SBFC is a great resource for our families: “SBFC’s mission is to improve K-12 students’ social-emotional wellness. We do this by connecting parents, guardians, and teens with valuable resources, education, and support, as well as reducing stigma around mental health issues and sparking conversations that inspire people to reach out for help when they need it.” Check out South Bay Families Connected Events Calendar
• PSAT/SAT School Day: The DVS PSAT/SAT School Day is on Monday, October 14th. All PSAT and SAT tests will be digitally administered.
  •  9th Grade: PSAT 8/9
  • 10th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 12th Grade: Opt-in to take the SAT (opt-in form posted on Canvas)

• 11th-grade students interested in taking the SAT instead of the PSAT/NMSQT should reach out to Saya (swai@davincischools.org) by Monday, September 30th, 2024.
• Remember that you can also register to take the SAT outside of the SAT School Day offered at DVS. Register through the College Board at this website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration 

• College Planning Information Sessions continue into Week 6! We welcome 10th-grade families on Tuesday, September 24th, and 11th-grade families on Thursday, September 26th. Come learn more about college and career readiness, graduation requirements, college admissions tips and more! Meetings are from 5:30pm-6:30pm and are held on the DVS floor.  Click here to reserve your spot!
• Freshmen Overnighter: Overnighter has been rescheduled for October 8-9th. All students should have received a new permission slip from the English class. Please have new permission slips signed and returned by October 2nd. 
• College Rep Visits: All college rep visits happen during lunch time in Mr. Perez’s Room. Students of all grade levels (9-12) are welcome. College Rep Visits for Week 6:
  • Monday, 9/23: United States Air Force

 

Week 6 Schedule (9/23-9/27):

 Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Monday, 9/23: UCLA Blood Drive
• Tuesday, 9/24: 10th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
• Tuesday, 9/24: Picture Make-Up Day
• Wednesday, 9/25: 11th Grade NACAC College Fair Field Trip in Los Angeles
• Wednesday, 9/25: Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting #1 @ 4:15pm on Zoom 
• Thursday, 9/26: 11th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
• Wednesday, 10/02: DVS Families Coffee Time @ 4:15pm
• Wednesday, 10/02: 12th Grade College Planning Info Session
• Tuesday-Wednesday, 10/08-10/09: 9th Grade Overnighter @ Camp Pondo
• Friday, 10/11: CLD Day 

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week:

Juniors and Seniors attended the Latino College Expo at the University of La Verne last Saturday, 9/14.

Students in Advanced Calculus gave an informal presentation on their classwork from CPM. They shared about finite differences, slope statements, and the patterns they noticed in the graphs.

Advanced Physics successfully pieced together clues to solve a Kimematics Crime and proved who destroyed the historic valuable vase by using free fall acceleration equations

CEA Downtown LA Tour- students presented their research on architectural structures and designs and got to visit Cal Trans!

DVS Club Fair- students had a great time representing and signing up for clubs!

Ichi Ice Cubes Advisory Dinner at Northern Cafe

 

We hope everyone had a productive and enjoyable PD Day. Due to the San Bernardino Line Fires, we needed to reschedule our overnighter that was scheduled for this week. Thank you, students and families, for your patience and understanding with this. We are close to securing a new date for the Overnighter and will let you know as soon as possible.

We have a regular 5-day week next week! 

Announcements & Reminders for Week 5:

• PSAT/SAT School Day: The DVS PSAT/SAT School Day is coming up on Monday, October 14th! Please note this is a revised date. 9th-11th grade students will be taking the PSAT, while 12th-grade students will have the option to opt-in to the SAT (more info will be posted on Canvas next week). All PSAT and SAT tests will be digitally administered. 
  • 9th Grade: PSAT 8/9
  • 10th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT
  • 12th Grade: Opt-in to take the SAT

11th-grade students interested in taking the SAT instead of the PSAT/NMSQT should reach out to Saya (swai@davincischools.org) by Monday, September 30th, 2024.

Remember that you can also register to take the SAT outside of the SAT School Day offered at DVS. Register through the College Board at this website: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration 

• Free SAT/ACT Practice Tests through PJ Test Prep: PJ Test Prep is a small, boutique SAT/ACT prep and tutoring company based here in the South Bay and West LA. They have been providing support to DVS students during Test Prep Seminar this semester, and it has been great! Learn more about PJ Test Prep at www.pjtestprep.com. The SAT/ACT Practice Tests & Results Seminar is FREE to all on Zoom and $10 in-person. The next seminars are scheduled for Saturday, September 28th or Sunday, December 1st! RSVP and get more information at www.pjtestprep/rsvp.
• College Planning Information Sessions start next week!  We welcome 9th grade students and their families on Wednesday, September 18th at 5:30pm.  Come learn more about graduation requirements, pathway courses, college and career options and more! Click here to reserve your spot! Upcoming College Planning Information Sessions:
  • 9th Grade: Wednesday, September 18th @ 5:30pm
  • 10th Grade: Tuesday, September 24th @ 5:30pm
  • 11th Grade: Thursday, September 26th @ 5:30pm
  • 12th Grade: Wednesday, October 2nd @ 5:30pm
• College Rep Visits: We are grateful to have college reps on the DVS campus to give students the opportunity to learn about colleges and universities. All college rep visits happen during lunch time in Mr. Perez’s Room. Students of all grade levels (9-12) are welcome. College Rep Visits for Week 5:
  • Monday, 9/16: UC Davis
  • Tuesday, 9/17: USC
  • Wednesday, 9/18: UC Santa Barbara
  • Friday, 9/20: Harvey Mudd College

• DVS Parent Advisory Committee: Parent Advisory Committee is an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to work collaboratively to review the school program, review data, identify needs, and make recommendations for the Local Control and Accountability Plan. If you are interested in joining our DVS Parent Advisory Committee, please complete the Parent Advisory Committee Interest Form by Friday, 9/20.  PAC Meeting Dates are planned for Wednesdays on Zoom from 4:15-5:15pm on these dates: 9/25, 11/20, 2/12, 3/26, 5/14.

Week 5 Schedule (9/16-9/20):

 Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Wednesday, 9/18: 9th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
• Thursday, 9/19: Club Fair during Advisory and lunch
• Friday, 9/20: Honors Contracts Due 
• Monday, 9/23: UCLA Blood Drive
• Tuesday, 9/24: 10th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
• Tuesday, 9/24: Picture Make-Up Day
• Wednesday, 9/25: 11th Grade NACAC College Fair Field Trip in Los Angeles 
• Thursday, 9/26: 11th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week:

Robotics class started testing our ramp-climbing robots. Next week we will take the angle of the ramp and calculate the effective coefficient of friction.

Python Advisory Dinner

Human Body Systems class using practicing micropipette skills

Intro to Design class, designing and painting while awaiting the new Overnighter dates

The Linton Leopards and the Ichiroku Ice Cubes are trying to win all the gold coins they can!

 

We hope all students and families had a great 4-day week of school. Seminars are going well, and we are gearing up for Club Fair Week 5, 9/19. Next week will be another 4-day week for students! Please take note of the special schedule due to PD Day on Friday, September 13th, and the Freshmen Overnighter, September 11-12.

Announcements & Reminders for Week 4:

• Freshmen Overnighter: is happening this week! Overnighter Leaders will leave Tuesday, 9/10, and Overnighter Freshmen Campers will leave Wednesday, 9/11. All students will return on Thursday, 9/12. Information and permission slips have been given in class and posted in Canvas. Here is the link to Overnighter Forms and Permission Slips. Please note that all school policies and expectations apply during the Overnighter. We look forward to spending this precious, formidable, and fun time with the Freshmen! 
• Community Learning Days: A message from the Da Vinci Schools Central Office went out regarding CLDs. A CLD slide deck and interest survey went out to students during advisory this week. The first CLD is Oct. 11th. You can go to this blog post to see more details regarding CLD Days from the Central Office.  
• Honors Launch Week: was this week! Specific honors requirements for each course can be found in this Honors Programs & Contracts doc. 
• Grade Updates: Staff update grades on PD days so grades are up-to-date by the Tuesday of the following week. The first grade update will be Tuesday, 9/17. All coursework and grading information will continue to be through Canvas.
  • Student and Parent/Guardian Canvas Link: https://davincischools.instructure.com
  • Additional Canvas resources are available at the bottom of the Academics page on our blog.

• Latino College Expo: The Latino College Expo is Saturday, September 14th from 9am-3pm at the University of La Verne and is open to 11th and 12th grade DVS students. Transportation is available, but space is limited. Interested students should get a permission slip from our college and career counselor, Ms. Francisca Marquez (fmarquez@davincischools.org).

• College Planning Meetings: Our counselors will host grade-level specific College Planning Meetings in person on the DVS floor. 

• • 9th Grade: Wednesday, September 18th @ 5:30pm
  • 10th Grade: Tuesday, September 24th @ 5:30pm
  • 11th Grade: Thursday, September 26th @ 5:30pm
  • 12th Grade: Wednesday, October 2nd @ 5:30pm

• DVS Parent Advisory Committee: Every school year, DVS forms a new Parent Advisory Committee (formerly known as School Site Council). This is an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to work collaboratively to review the school program, review data, identify needs, and make recommendations for the Local Control and Accountability Plan. If you are interested in joining our DVS Parent Advisory Committee, please complete the Parent Advisory Committee Interest Form by Friday, 9/20.  PAC Meeting Dates are planned for Wednesdays on Zoom from 4:15-5:15pm on these dates: 9/25, 11/20, 2/5, 4/2, 5/21.
• Blood Drive: DVS Red Cross Club is partnering with the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center for a blood drive on Monday, September 23rd:

 

Week 4 Schedule (9/9-9/12):

 

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Tuesday, 9/10: Advisory Leaders leave for Overnighter
• Wednesday, 9/11 – Thursday, 9/12: Freshmen Overnighter
• Friday, 9/13: Professional Development Day – No School
• Wednesday, 9/18: 9th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
• Thursday, 9/19: Club Fair during Advisory and lunch
• Friday, 9/20: Honors Contracts Due 
• Monday, 9/23: UCLA Blood Drive
• Tuesday, 9/24: 10th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm
• Wednesday, 9/25: 11th Grade NACAC College Fair Field Trip in Los Angeles 
• Thursday, 9/26: 11th Grade College Planning Info Session @ 5:30pm

 

Some Highlights from the Week: 

Table Top Seminar- Dungeons and Dragons and Magic: the Gathering taught by Jeremy

Advisory- Wong Warriors cooking up and sharing Ramen together

9th graders are wrapping up their Puzzle Cube projects following the design process, learning Onshape, using Sigma to find the standard deviation, and having fun!

9th Grade Physicists graph matching with a motion detector

Advanced Physicists solving motion graph problems and play Capture the Physics Flag

Magana’s LLamas having an Advisory Dinner Night Out at Gen

Transfer Welcome Lunch last week- welcome to DVS!

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

 

We had another great week at DVS! Students started seminars this week and are enjoying the opportunity to explore unique interests. Thank you for a great Back to School Night! It was to see families on campus, and hopefully, parents and guardians could get a taste of their student’s daily experience here at DVS. If you were unable to make it, here are some links that may be helpful (these links are also on the DVS blog site): 

DVS Course Syllabi 

Staff Office Hours and Email Addresses

Directions for Parent & Guardian Access to Canvas and PowerSchool 

We hope all students and families enjoy the well-deserved Labor Day weekend! No School, Monday, September 2nd.

Announcements & Reminders for Week 3:

• Seminars started on Wednesday, 8/28! Students have until Friday, 9/6 at 2:30pm to submit a seminar change request using this form (requires a student Da Vinci Google account). Please note that submitting a seminar change request does NOT guarantee fulfillment of the request; however, we will do our best to honor your interests as long as the request is received before the deadline. Requests received after that time will only be granted in special circumstances with counselor and/or admin approval. Please allow counselors two school days to process requests.

• Honors work is available for many courses at DVS. Most honors courses are not a separate period but are integrated into the regular coursework. This could look like additional assignments and projects or the requirement to demonstrate higher levels of mastery and understanding. Below is the timeline for the Fall 2024 semester:

• • Honors Launch Week: Week 3 (9/3-9/6)
  • Honors Contracts due: Week 5 Friday, 9/20
  • Honors Commitment Deadline: Week 9 Friday, 10/18
  • Specific honors requirements for each course can be found in this Honors Programs & Contracts doc. Contract links will be updated after the Honors Launch week. 

• DVS Family Coffee Time: Every first Wednesday of the month, we will have an open “Coffee Time” where parents, guardians, and students can drop in to ask administration and staff questions and receive updates on school happenings. These coffee times will be held on Zoom; parents are welcome to attend in person. We will have our first DVS Families Coffee Time this Wednesday, September 4th, from 4:15-5:15 using this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/3108950461  

Week 3 Schedule: 

Important Upcoming Dates: 

• Monday, 9/2: Labor Day Holiday – No School
• Tuesday, 9/10: Advisory Leaders leave for Overnighter
• Wednenesday, 9/11 – Thursday, 9/12: Freshmen Overnighter
• Friday, 9/13: Professional Development Day – No School
• Friday, 9/20: Honors Contracts Due 
• Monday, 9/23: Blood Drive
• Wednesday, 9/25: 11th Grade NACAC Field Trip in Los Angeles 

Some Highlights from the Week: 

Youth and Government Office Retreat at Camp Whittle in Big Bear

 

Freshmen physicists looking for the relationship between shoe size and height

Chemistry students practice lab skills by making ice cream

Lunch Fun- Wolfie says hello!

 

   

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Photos Link

It was a great first week of school! Students were happy to see old friends, meet new friends, and jump right into learning and community building. It’s going to be a great school year! 

We are excited to invite parents and guardians to Back-to-School Night on Thursday, August 29th, 2024. Please note that this is an evening designed for parents and guardians to be in their children’s classrooms and learn about the courses they are taking. Students are not required to attend. Parents and guardians will go directly to classrooms for a meet and greet with teachers (there will be no whole school assembly). Since space in each classroom will be limited, some parents/guardians may need to stand when the room is full.

The schedule for this evening will be as follows:

5:30-5:40 Greetings and Welcome 

5:45-5:55 Period 1

6:00-6:10 Period 2

6:15-6:25 Period 3

6:30-6:40 Period 4

6:45-6:55 Period 5

7:00-7:10 Period 6 

7:15-7:30 Advisory

Please be on the lookout for an email next week with the Back to School Night (BTSN) information and your student’s schedule.

Week 2 Schedule (8/26-8/30):

Have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you at BTSN next week! 

 

9th grade Physics – Design Your Own Experiment Vocabulary Activity

Advanced Physics- Frozen T-shirt Challenge 

9th Graders sharing what they want out of their high school experience at DVS

Sophomores racing to complete puzzles during Grade Level Time!

Pre-Calculus Students already grinding as they finish their summer packets!